Outstanding Ofsted result for Bluecoat Primary School in Stamford

Head teacher at Bluecoat Primary School Stamford Carol Hines with some of her pupi;s celebrating Outstanding OFSTED EMN-160126-161732009

A primary school is celebrating after receiving an outstanding Ofsted report - just two years after getting a requires improvement rating.

When it was inspected in October 2013, Ofsted inspectors raised several concerns about Bluecoat Primary School in Green Lane, Stamford.

But just over two years later, the school has totally transformed and inspectors who visited the school just before December have rated it outstanding in all five categories. The report was released last week.

Staff and governors are thrilled with the transformation, which they said was something very few schools manage to achieve in such a short space of time.

“It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone connected with the school, pupils, staff, parents and governors.

“I am especially pleased that the report acknowledges the quality of our creative curriculum, which inspires our children to learn in an exciting and motivational way.

“But most of all, I am proud that our school has been recognised as providing an outstanding all-round education for each and every one of our children.”

Chairman of governors Mark Kieran said the report “recognises the hard work and dedication shown by everyone connected with the school and confirms beyond doubt that parents sending their children here can be certain they are getting the very best possible education”.

In their report, Ofsted inspectors recognised the work Mrs Hines and the deputy had done to “secure rapid improvements since the last inspection” and said that as a result “outcomes have improved significantly”.

The report said leaders had an accurate view of the school’s strengths and staff, pupils and parents were highly supportive of the work of senior leaders. Leaders have put in place rigorous systems for checking the progress of pupils. This means that teachers can support individual pupils very effectively.

It added: “Leaders have ensured that all pupils make rapid and sustained progress from their starting points” and noted that attendance had improved.

It also said the school’s curriculum was outstanding, which “promotes pupils’ enjoyment of learning and motivates them to apply themselves”. Pupils also enjoy lessons, behave well and are well looked after.

The only recommendation to improve was that staff should ensure all pupils have the “opportunity to fully develop their mathematical reasoning skills”.